BOW-TIED DIY
So I had to google what type of necktie this was and apparently it’s something similar to a colonel necktie. I’ve had random pieces of elastic kicking around my sewing box for ages now. I inherited it from my grandmother who went through a phase where she elasticized everything from trousers to skirts. Anyhoo, I felt inspired by the high collars at Proenza Schouler and thought why not tie it up with an ode to Karl and pin it with a random earring I found at the thrift store? the result: a new looking chambray shirt!
Dan and I shot these pictures around his neighborhood where we were caught in the middle of an organized mob protesting against the olympics. Some stink eye hippie girl scowled at me and asked ‘do you really wear that?’. Um…yeah. I had to bite my tongue and not ask her an equally rhetorical question like: when was the last time you washed your hair? or do you really wear those mom-shaped corduroy pants in public? The gumption of some people really irritates me sometimes!
When I look at these pictures again, I kinda remind myself of a rich European school boy (minus the leather pants). Or maybe Madeleine with that cute little straw hat. I’ve worn this shirt low and unbottoned for so long now that it’s really refreshing to button it all the way up without fearing that my right boob is going to pop out. I think this may be a turn of tides for me. I feel an androgynous wave coming……
And here’s a funny picture of me. I laugh like an imbecile. It’s infectious really. Once I start laughing it turns into a drawn out giggle/cackle that I can only liken to Mr Burns when he does something deliciously evil on The Simpsons. Hot.
Wearing Zara chambray shirt, Silence + Noise faux leather pants, BCBG Mendel boots, vintage fur coat, Stam Marc Jacobs bag, knitted rosary (worn as bracelet) La Dama
Photos by Dan
64 Comments to BOW-TIED DIY
by Maria@chicisimo
On February 25, 2010 at 10:02 pm
This outfit is super cute! I love it! The bow is perfect
! xoxo
by Mode Junkie
On February 25, 2010 at 10:22 pm
this bow tie totally reminds me of my uniform in the uni back in the days. it´s exactly like this except the pin was the badge of the school, obviously. anyway, your smile is so cute so don´t mind the haters.. lol
xoxo
by Ms. Smart
On February 25, 2010 at 10:22 pm
fun look, creative.
great DIY necktie action – tre’ fancy HP
by confessions of a marc addict.
On February 25, 2010 at 10:27 pm
one of your best outfits yet! i love ittt.
by T
On February 25, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Lovely outfit!
by angela
On February 25, 2010 at 11:01 pm
oh my god..the bow is so lovely with that shirt! once again you have amazed me with another great outfit. Also, I have seriously started to realize that some people have lost their god damn minds..I have been running into some rude and horrible people lately. It’s so weirdo and can’t really figure out why it’s been happening so much. but anyways who cares…you look great and I love your outfit darling and I want that hat! xoxo
by libys11
On February 25, 2010 at 11:05 pm
aaahh yes! i totally love this!! so androgynous but so fabulous with that fur!!!
and can i just comment on that girl who had a seemingly issue with what you are wearing!?! i mean!! the heck! if i saw you with this outfit on, i would have totally asked for your picture. geezz.. i can totally feel for you! *hug*
by SheWearsheshares
On February 25, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Genius DIY Vanessa. LOL.OMG my grams put elastic in EVERYTHING too. I don’t think she owned any zipped or buttoned trousers. It was her answer to everything. She used to sew on hidden pockets in all her shirts too. I have her old industrial Singer sewing machine I should really use more often.
by Nicole
On February 25, 2010 at 11:11 pm
the necktie is a nice touch and i love that last photo of you, v. candid! btw, you totally rock those leather pants!
by bisou-joue
On February 25, 2010 at 11:34 pm
wow ! What a good idea ! I’m looking for a similar bow tie for ages now, so I’m so happy that you give me the answer : I will try to make it myself … Not sure that I will succed as well as you girl !
by angela
On February 25, 2010 at 11:48 pm
LOL! Okay so don’t laugh at me…but I had to learn how to french braid watching damn youtube videos! hahaha! but after watching those videos and a whole lot of practice I finally got the french braid down. It really did take me forever..but now it only takes me minutes and I’m out the door. But seriously, the way you have been braiding your hair has been making me sad and wanting my hair to grow super fast!!! Grrrrrrrrrr….
xoxo
by Chess
On February 25, 2010 at 11:49 pm
That bow tie is just so cute!
What a perfect idea.
Love the demin top
paired with fur and leather.
Genius.
by Annachiara
On February 26, 2010 at 12:11 am
wow!!!!wow wow darling!!! this is my favourite of all your outfits…faaantastic!!!! loove the shirt…and the black fur!!!YOU’RE WOOONDERFULL!!!!!
by Style Revolution
On February 26, 2010 at 12:19 am
Love the pants, the pants.. You look amazing!
by Marie Enderleit
On February 26, 2010 at 12:55 am
Vanessa Vanessa Vanessa, I simply just love your looks. Your bow-tied diy project is soo good.
I also like your fur, hat, shirt, shoes.. Ok. I like every little bit of you and your outfit. It’s such an honour to get commented by a fantastic blogger like you. We seriously hope, that it will happen again someday. We love you, your style, your blog and Dan is so cool!
You are a big inspiration, and it’s always a yeaaah-feeling to see that you have updated and posted new pics and looks.
Love to you, from us – xoxo Marie.
by Stephen Pham
On February 26, 2010 at 1:11 am
Liking the outfit! I am soooo over the protesters for the olympics! I’m totally fine if anyone wants to protest against anything but adding vandalism to your protest makes your cause worth zero!
-Stephen Pham
http://itsgoodtobepham.wordpress.com
by Josey Zheng
On February 26, 2010 at 2:05 am
Hey, I love the androgynous touch. Great job!
By the way, you look more beautiful with a smile. I think your smile is charming.
Love the first and the last picture the most.
Have a nice day.
by Juliet Polilova
On February 26, 2010 at 2:24 am
you always give me so much inspiration!
perfect look!
by CHARLOTTE
On February 26, 2010 at 3:16 am
Wauw, once again you hit the spot V. I love the androgynous look on you, and especially the ode-to-Karl aspect of the shirt. It looks haute. I wont even begin to comment on other things like your BOOTS, PURSE and FUR, because I believe I’ve already done that a gazillion times….. But hey, well, I still LOVE em, so why not: They are ALL great, V, you look perfect!
xx
by Alice
On February 26, 2010 at 4:07 am
You look always stunning!!! How do you do it? Love love love
by Veronique
On February 26, 2010 at 4:55 am
Oh, wow! this outfit is gorgeous! my inspiration <3
xoxo,
by aura
On February 26, 2010 at 5:12 am
When is your shop going to open? Cant wait!!
by priincess
On February 26, 2010 at 7:10 am
that little necktie looks so cute on youu! and you have an amazinggg smileee! you should take more smiley photos! : )
by Clara
On February 26, 2010 at 7:21 am
Already tweeted you but must say this is defo one of my personal fav looks on you..it’s awesome! Anything you do with that chambray shirt looks amazing! Great find.
by vicki
On February 26, 2010 at 7:38 am
I just stumbled across you on chcitopia, i love this bow tie im gonna have to give this diy a go sometime
would you be interested in exchanging links with me?
p.s i heart your bag sooooo much!!
vicki xo
by taylor
On February 26, 2010 at 8:00 am
The way you put this together is amazing. I love the bow tie and the shoes! Great style girl!
by Calico
On February 26, 2010 at 8:26 am
UGH, FUR, the un-ending debate!
Way to DIY that bolero, Vanessa! And I am soooo jealous of your BCBG wedges–HOLY MOLY!!!
by Rae
On February 26, 2010 at 8:38 am
I love the leggings! They are so cute!! Follow/visit my blog once you get the chance!
<3
FOLLOW:
http://alittle-rae-ofsunshine.blogspot.com/
http://alittle-rae-ofsunshine.blogspot.com/
by FASHION SNAG
On February 26, 2010 at 8:54 am
I love the whole outfit. Great job using that elastic with an earring to make a little necktie thing. It really looks like it should be on the chambray shirt.
I know exactly what you mean about taking photos out in public and people thinking they can say whatever they want to you. I have gotten a little meaner and a tad bit more confident since starting my blog due to being out in public places and having my photos taken. xo
EMILIO PUCCI STUDDED CUTOUT HEELS AT http://www.FashionSnag.com
by SOOOALI
On February 26, 2010 at 9:09 am
Ahh NEED to make this! It looks like fun!
by LA
On February 26, 2010 at 9:44 am
I discovered you so long ago, but now I’ve got a blog I can comment you!
SUCH A COOL GIRL IN A COOL OUTFIT!
LOVE YOUR STYLE GIRL!
LA
by Elizabete
On February 26, 2010 at 10:04 am
I like the outfit.Very you.Oh,and ignore the impolite woman.You are so cute when you smile.
by neekoh
On February 26, 2010 at 11:50 am
This is great! I’m especially liking the hat. A LOT!
LiveLoveLA
by nicole jarecz
On February 26, 2010 at 12:35 pm
that purse is amazing!
http://www.nicolejarecz.com
by Pia
On February 26, 2010 at 1:40 pm
love the necktie addition!!! and that last picture is so funny! i love it
by raez
On February 26, 2010 at 1:55 pm
screw them hippies! they’ll go away eventually. LOL
anyways, looking great, love the mix of textures, and the bow tie!
xx raez
by glitteryeyexx
On February 26, 2010 at 3:47 pm
I like it soo much better when you smile showing your teeth! =D
by MARIE
On February 26, 2010 at 4:08 pm
haha. but you look like a really chic English boy. love the hat and of course the collar necktie!
thanks for your comment too! my friend and I actually designed that poster last year and printed it for a school project. and yes Olympics! Ice Dancing was beautiful, and Canadian Women’s Ice Hockey are awesome! and Joannie Rochette got a figure skating medal for Canada!!
I just got a Muk Muk keychain. soo cute. I want one of those dolls wearing the red mittens. and I haven’t seen the mascots in real life yet.
- Marie
by Heather
On February 27, 2010 at 4:00 am
Love this look.
by Little Black List
On February 27, 2010 at 7:11 am
you are so cute! this look is very diane keaton, but you look amazing….
by J.
On February 27, 2010 at 7:47 am
Very chic! I really never know how to wear a denim shirt, but you look great…thanks for the inspiration!
by megan
On February 27, 2010 at 11:57 am
good style runs in your family..
by amalie
On February 27, 2010 at 1:20 pm
awesome outfit! cool bowtie too
by Carmen
On February 28, 2010 at 2:29 am
I love the outfit head to toe. You have a great style.
http://allthatglitters-allthatglitters.blogspot.com/
by Snoblak
On February 28, 2010 at 5:39 am
I love the denim and leather combination !
by bird
On February 28, 2010 at 2:05 pm
this is amazing i love the necktie so much. you have inspired me to start customising my own stuff!!
by Clare
On February 28, 2010 at 2:12 pm
What a great idea for leftover elastic, I have approximately a billion bits of things leftover in my room so now they can be put to good use…
iliketweet.blogspot
x
by sandra
On February 28, 2010 at 3:28 pm
hello, I love how you said on chictopia that you would like to discover new blogs….
I am a new blogger and I like you.
visit me at http://5inchandup.blogspot.com/
and say hi if you feel like it! kisskiss
by camila
On February 28, 2010 at 6:17 pm
that outfit is beautiful, specially the marc jacobs bag!
your blog is amazing. i’m folliwing you now
visit my blog, it’s new!
http://megamii.blogspot.com/
by MARIE
On February 28, 2010 at 9:39 pm
I’m so happy for Canada. So proud to be Canadian!!!!!!!!!! 14 GOLD
by The Queen of Hearts
On February 28, 2010 at 10:32 pm
You have such a unique and quirky style — extremely refreshing in these times of sea-of-samers.
And the Mendel boots are serious business. I would absolutely love of pair but don’t think I am ready to part with my $600 USD just yet…
derherzen.blogspot.com
by J
On March 1, 2010 at 12:23 am
the last pic is adorable
by sandra
On March 1, 2010 at 11:04 am
ahhh the BCBG boots are sooo nice!!
by joyce
On March 1, 2010 at 12:40 pm
what a cute outfit! i just discovered some button downs in my closet from a few years ago that i’m just dying to wear! did you get your leather pants recently? i’m having the hardest time finding an affordable pair that I like…
by ava
On March 1, 2010 at 3:01 pm
your smile is so nice! i never see it hehe. and why on earth would you protest the olympics? especially since america did so well lol. you should have just told her to take a nice long bath and rethink her life.
by tierra
On March 5, 2010 at 8:04 pm
looove your shoes girly
by Paula
On March 6, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I love this look! Every bit of it is awesome!
by thesydneygirl
On March 6, 2010 at 3:48 pm
freakin awesome x
by LittleFashionisto
On March 8, 2010 at 10:36 pm
I love DIYs! and those boots are super fab. =D
great accessorizing!
OMG! your MarcJacobs is on the ground!.
by la fille atomique
On March 12, 2010 at 7:25 am
Those boots are incredible, especially played up against the texture of the leather pants
by joana
On March 21, 2010 at 5:43 pm
you look so sweet, smiling in the last picture. i love it
by The Owl's Closet
On March 23, 2010 at 12:01 pm
i love what u did with the chambray top! such a great diy and very creative!:)
TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com
by Eimear
On April 1, 2010 at 3:06 pm
That is literally the most amazing outfit i’ve seen all day, LOVE the DIY, brilliant!!!
by Veronika
On August 15, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Those pants look so good on you! I love the way they fit so perfectly!